The Road to Super Bowl 60: Expert Picks and Bold Predictions for the NFL Divisional Round
The NFL playoffs are heating up, and with Super Bowl 60 on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher. This weekend’s Divisional Round promises edge-of-your-seat action, but who will rise to the occasion and who will fall short? We’ve gathered a panel of experts—including BBC Sport’s Paul Higham, Radio 5 Live’s Rob Staton, and former NFL coach Phil McGeoghan—to break down each matchup. But here’s where it gets controversial: not everyone agrees on who’s advancing. Let’s dive in, and don’t forget to share your picks in the comments!
Divisional Round Schedule
All times GMT and AFC/NFC seedings in brackets
Saturday, 17 January
Buffalo Bills (6) @ Denver Broncos (1) - 21:30
- The Drama: Can Josh Allen overcome a battered receiving corps and Denver’s stingy defense? Or will the Broncos’ bye week and home-field advantage prove too much?
San Francisco 49ers (6) @ Seattle Seahawks (1) - 01:00 (Sunday)
- The Controversy: Are the injury-riddled 49ers truly out of gas, or can their winning culture pull off another miracle against a surging Seahawks team?
Sunday, 18 January
Houston Texans (5) @ New England Patriots (2) - 20:00
- The Question: Can CJ Stroud and the Texans’ defense silence the doubters, or will Drake Maye’s playmaking ability propel the Patriots to another AFC Championship?
Los Angeles Rams (5) @ Chicago Bears (2) - 23:30
- The Debate: Is this the year the Bears’ magic run continues, or will Sean McVay’s offensive genius and Matthew Stafford’s experience seal the deal for the Rams?
Expert Picks and Analysis
Buffalo Bills @ Denver Broncos
- Rob Staton: Bills. Josh Allen has that intangible ‘it’ factor—he’ll find a way.
- Phil McGeoghan: Broncos. As much as my heart’s in Buffalo, Denver’s defense and rest advantage are too much to ignore.
- Mike White: Broncos. A close game, but Denver’s ability to win tight contests gives them the edge.
- Paul Higham: Broncos. Allen’s heroics might not be enough against Denver’s rush defense and Bo Nix’s mobility.
San Francisco 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks
- Rob Staton: Seahawks. Shanahan’s done miracles, but this might be one too many.
- Mike White: Seahawks. Seattle’s defense will exploit San Fran’s injuries.
- Phil McGeoghan: Niners. Culture wins games, and the 49ers know how to overcome adversity.
- Paul Higham: Seahawks. Seattle’s ground game and home-field advantage are decisive.
Houston Texans @ New England Patriots
- Rob Staton: Patriots. Drake Maye’s mobility neutralizes Houston’s defense.
- Phil McGeoghan: Patriots. Maye’s playing too well to bet against.
- Mike White: Patriots. A low-scoring grind, but the Pats edge it.
- Paul Higham: Texans. Houston’s defense is too terrifying, even for the Pats.
Los Angeles Rams @ Chicago Bears
- Rob Staton: Bears. There’s magic in Chicago right now.
- Mike White: Rams. McVay and Stafford are a Super Bowl-winning combo.
- Phil McGeoghan: Rams. Sean McVay’s leadership and offensive brilliance are unmatched.
- Paul Higham: Bears. Caleb Williams’ late-game heroics will keep the Bears’ dream alive.
And this is the part most people miss: The Divisional Round isn’t just about talent—it’s about momentum, culture, and clutch performances. Who do you think will advance? Share your picks below, and let’s debate the boldest predictions. Will the underdogs roar, or will the favorites prevail? The stage is set—let the games begin!
